Invaders and Barbarians: Islamophobia in the West

Quashon AventStaff Writer The recent mass killing of 50 people by white supremacist Brenton Tarrant brought attention to a major issue in Western societies: Islamophobia. Islamophobia is defined as “an exaggerated fear, hatred and hostility toward Islam and Muslims that is perpetuated by negative stereotypes resulting in bias, discrimination and the marginalization and exclusion of Muslims from social, political and civic life.” The cause of … Continue reading Invaders and Barbarians: Islamophobia in the West

Japan’s Law Requiring Sterilisation for the Legal Recognition of Transgender Citizens

Elliott VoorheesStaff Writer There is really no way to ease into a subject like this and quite frankly, I do not want to. On March 16, The Economist published an article discussing a Japanese Supreme Court ruling made earlier this year. When publicizing the article, The Economist tweeted, “should transgender people be sterilised before they are recognized?” followed by a link to the article. This … Continue reading Japan’s Law Requiring Sterilisation for the Legal Recognition of Transgender Citizens

The College Admission Scandal Hurts Underprivileged Applicants

Elliott VoorheesStaff Writer For many young adults, the institution of higher education in the United States already feels like a rigged pitfall with high standards and higher tuition. Even with flawless test scores and without the help of scholarships and financial aid, students and their families face accumulating overwhelming debt in order to receive an education. This system becomes even more unfair and unforgiving when … Continue reading The College Admission Scandal Hurts Underprivileged Applicants

The Christchurch Shooting and Islamophobia

Courtney CordozaStaff Writer On Friday, March 15, followers gathered in the Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre. Men, women and children were there to pray and worship. It was a peaceful gathering of those who share a common identity. Men were sitting on the left and women on the right. There was a serene mood in the air. All that changed at 1:40 … Continue reading The Christchurch Shooting and Islamophobia

It Is Okay to Change Your Beliefs

Bruce CaseStaff Writer People have the right to change their mind based on new experiences, information and time. Changing your mind is okay. Your attitudes and beliefs about things will likely change numerous times throughout your life, as well as some of your habits. This is natural. In fact, if you never changed your mind about anything outside of your first experience with it, there … Continue reading It Is Okay to Change Your Beliefs

The Power of Makeup

Sarah Grace GoodlenStaff Writer Makeup has been used as a form of expression since the beginning of time. It is a fun way to experiment and feel attractive without the commitment of a haircut or body modification. The versatility of makeup has cemented its place in society, with a long history of beautification through the past few generations. The eyeliner we wear today bears striking … Continue reading The Power of Makeup

Gayle King’s Interview with R. Kelly Causes an Uproar in the Media

Rejani KingStaff Writer R. Kelly has been in the spotlight for quite some time now, recently regarding sexual abuse allegations towards him by many women over the span of 20 years. On March 9, he sat down with CBS news co-host Gayle King to discuss these claims. His behavior was anything but calm, possibly giving more insight into the man behind the allegations. R. Kelly, … Continue reading Gayle King’s Interview with R. Kelly Causes an Uproar in the Media

Big Brother is Watching: Domestic Surveillance of Political Dissidents

Quashon Avent Staff Writer Everyone in this country is under some form of surveillance. Whether it is the NSA or Facebook, we are all being watched. Yet, we are still surprised at new examples of “Big Brother” watching over us. Recently, it made the news that the Customs and Border Patrol had assembled a list of 59 reporters, attorneys and activists who were to be … Continue reading Big Brother is Watching: Domestic Surveillance of Political Dissidents

Stop Calling People Snowflakes

Bruce CaseStaff Writer The term “snowflake,” originating from the 1999 film “Fight Club,” has become a popular insult for sensitive people. In the movie, Tyler Durden says, “You are not special. You’re not a beautiful and unique snowflake. You’re the same decaying organic matter as everything else.” Why are people called snowflakes? It can refer to a person that believes they are special and unique … Continue reading Stop Calling People Snowflakes

Humanity Is Too Complex For Two Political Parties

Sarah Grace GooldenOpinions Editor In a tweet earlier this March, President Donald Trump attacked conservative political commentator and former supporter Ann Coulter. This was because Coulter had voiced her disapproval on the president reopening the government without receiving funding for his proposed border wall. She even went so far to say she would no longer support him if he seemingly “gave up” by ending the … Continue reading Humanity Is Too Complex For Two Political Parties